Chapter 78: Letting Go of Pride, Arranging the Shop

“Xiuxiu, the training you received at the Zhao family’s ready-to-wear shop was mostly about fabrics, wasn’t it?” he asked, puzzled.

Jiang Xiuxiu wasn’t sure why he was bringing this up all of a sudden, but she nodded honestly.

“There’s another task I’d like to give you now. Would you be willing to take it on?” he continued, coaxing her gently.

“Is it still about the clothing shop?”

“Yes, but not exactly. I’m looking for a few shop assistants, but barely any of them can read. I’d like you to teach them…”

Xiuxiu agreed at once.

So, in the Bai family’s fabric shop, all the remaining servants were taught to read, along with some skills in needlework. She also instructed them about the comfort and quality of various fabrics.

By training the staff in multiple areas, they could offer customers a new kind of experience as soon as they walked in. Yet, this shop wasn’t aimed at the wealthy or the nobility, so there was no need for grandiose talk. Instead, straightforward, down-to-earth language would make things clear for ordinary people.

“By the way, don’t think you can just sit here and do nothing,” he said, looking at Bai Jingming, who was still absorbed in studying fabrics.

“Aren’t I managing the shop?”

“The method I mentioned last time requires you. Attracting customers will take something novel,” he replied, eyeing him critically.

Bai Jingming was indeed rather handsome, enough to draw some attention, but that alone wouldn’t suffice—he needed some talent and refinement as well.

“You’re the living signboard for this place. This afternoon, you’ll stand at the door and loudly announce promotional prices, especially praising passersby as they go past…”

Some people couldn’t understand this, and some were deeply resistant. He thought it was humiliating. The Bai family had always carried themselves with dignity, and now they were expected to act like street vendors.

“I refuse.”

“It’s not up to you. It starts tomorrow,” Han Qing said coldly, and then left with Xiuxiu.

The staff training was almost complete, and the results would become clear the next day. For the first few days after opening, they’d even hire people to pose as customers, creating the impression of a bustling business. Creating a buzz was crucial.

“Brother Han, are you sure he can swallow his pride? Those people have never wanted to deal with ordinary folk,” Zhu Xiaoye said, a bit doubtful, after traveling far to find a few reliable people to act as customers the next day. He truly couldn’t make sense of it.

“Even if he can’t, he’ll be made to. People want to see that fall from grace, and only by doing it will he earn his reward,” Han Qing replied with a faint, knowing smile. It was indeed painful to overcome that mental hurdle at first, but once he managed, he’d understand.

As it turned out, they didn’t even need those hired customers. Local small vendors were immediately drawn in.

“Aunt Wang, you look wonderful today! We have a few dresses that would suit you perfectly…”

“Brother Xiang, I heard you’ve been harvesting in the fields—these shoes are great for rainy days! Everyone praises them!”

It was surprising. Normally silent, Bai Jingming was suddenly talkative, and a few words of praise quickly drew in many customers. When they saw the low prices, they were even happier.

Typically, buying clothes meant custom orders, rarely at prices common folk could afford. Now, they were genuinely excited. In just one day, over a hundred items sold, with some customers buying two or three each.

It was a resounding success.

“Not bad, you adapt quickly!” Han Qing clapped him on the shoulder, satisfied that he hadn’t misjudged him.

Their shop stood in sharp contrast to the Zhao family’s—one offering high-end custom orders, the other affordable prices for ordinary people. Their clientele was completely different, and there seemed little chance of conflict.

But how could Old Master Zhao accept this situation?

“Thank you so much. If you hadn’t pushed me, the Bai family would be finished by now,” Bai Jingming said gratefully.

“It’s nothing. We both benefited,” Han Qing replied indifferently, clearly unconcerned.

This maneuver infuriated Old Master Zhao.

“How could things take such a turn? Didn’t I tell you to buy out their business by undercutting them? Even if we have fewer customers than before, their shop is huge—they haven’t lost any resources,” the old man raged.

“It wasn’t for lack of trying. We intended to negotiate, but they wouldn’t agree. I thought such a failing business wouldn’t pose a threat in the future,” Uncle Zhao explained hurriedly.

No one had expected this outcome. While their interests hadn’t yet been threatened, he was still deeply unsettled. How could they revive their business right under his nose?

“If worst comes to worst, we can restrict their supply of fabric. I’ve heard their stock is all outdated—nothing new at all.”

“You’re too foolish. Their customers are ordinary folk who just want something practical,” Old Master Zhao sighed, shaking his head. Why did he have such foolish sons? If even one of them were like Han Qing, things wouldn’t be so slow.

“Assign some people to watch them. If they start stealing our customers, deal with them immediately,” he said, steeling himself. He wouldn’t tolerate any competition, especially from those who threatened his business. He couldn't afford to miss any opportunity.

But sometimes, fate has other plans.

After just two days of prosperity, trouble struck the Bai family’s fabric shop.

“Brother Li, how did those rain boots you bought last time work out?”

“They’re great! I’m thinking of buying a few pairs for my uncle—do you have something suitable?”

The shop assistant eagerly gave a thorough introduction, selecting a few pairs that seemed ideal for someone who worked the fields year-round—comfortable and practical.

“I’ll take this pair, then!”